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SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING (7:15PM)
The Livingston Board of Education will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 7:15PM at the Central Office, 11 Foxcroft Drive. This meeting will be held in a hybrid format. Members of the community may attend in person at 20 Foxcroft Drive or virtually via the webinar (use the sign-up form below). The meeting will be livestreamed on the district’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LivSchools.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL GT ART & MUSIC
We are excited to announce that the application window is now open to express interest in both our Middle School Gifted and Talented Art program and Middle School Gifted and Talented Music programs. All applications must be submitted electronically no later than Friday, September 29, 2023. Previously enrolled students do not need to re-apply. Detailed information for both the GT Art and GT Music programs, along with the applications for both programs, can be found in the links below:6TH GRADE & 7TH GRADE:
8TH GRADE:
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SCHOOL LOCKDOWN SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS:
LPS takes school security very seriously and follows all of the safety protocols that are practiced regularly with the Livingston Police Department. These protocol include school lockdowns, which are designed to secure schools and protect students during emergency situations. Parents have a part to play in school lockdown safety as well! See below to learn how parents can contribute to school safety during lockdown situations. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP DURING LOCKDOWN SITUATIONS.
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Principal's Messages
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September 24, 2023
Posted by Carlos Gramata on 9/24/2023Hello, Hillside Families!
I hope this message finds you enjoying the weekend! Rain, rain, go away!
Special thanks to the families who were able to attend Thursday evening's Back to School Night. We hope you were able to get a feel for the curricula and learning that your children will acquire throughout the year, and, more importantly, for the enthusiasm and care that our teachers and faculty have for their work and your children. We look forward to a wonderful year with you, and we thank you for your continued support! To view the two videos that were presented during the General Session with me, please click on the links below.
PTA Promotional Video Staff Introduction Video
Special thanks to longtime Hillside dad, Mr. Peter Shyu, and to Mr. Grossman and the other Student Council advisors, Miss Trebbe and Mrs. Hinds, respectively, for all their efforts in creating these masterpieces! Enjoy!
Friday's Outdoor Movie Night was great fun! Although a bit chilly, the turnout was great and we thank the families who attended for supporting the event. Special thanks to the Hillside PTA for sponsoring the event! It's a wonderful tradition and a great way to start the year as the first of many fun events to come!
The PTA's online Miss Chocolate Cookie Sale began yesterday. Information was sent home with students this past week and can also be found here. Thank you, in advance, for helping to make this a successful fundraiser!
We are excited about Tuesday's assembly, A Journey Through Latin Percussion, being presented by our friends at Young Audiences! As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, this assembly will highlight the traditions of Latin percussion for our students and help them gain an appreciation for the cultures of the Caribbean and of South/Latin America. Special thanks to the Hillside PTA for sponsoring this assembly!
On Thursday, New Horizons Day Camp will host team-building activities for our fifth graders, as they embark on their final year as Huskies. The purpose of this event is to develop a sense of unity and bonding among our senior students, that will serve as a kickoff for an amazing year ahead. Special thanks to the Hillside PTA for supporting this wonderful experience!
We are super-excited about our upcoming 10th Annual Back to School Pep Rally scheduled for this Friday, September 29th! Grade levels have each been assigned one of our Six Pillars of Character, and will soon prepare songs, chants and/or dances about their assigned pillar to showcase at the rally! On this day, we are also asking students to wear color shirts that correspond with their assigned pillars. The pillar assignments and colors are as follows:
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Kindergarten: Trustworthiness (blue)
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First Grade: Respect (yellow)
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Second Grade: Responsibility (green)
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Third Grade: Fairness (orange)
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Fourth Grade: Caring (red)
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Fifth Grade: Citizenship (purple)
Thanks to families, in advance, for supporting our rally and we look forward to a fun, school-spirited time! And, since this is a special anniversary of our pep rally tradition, students can expect a special celebration of our mascot, Hank's, 10th birthday!
Construction Update: Interior work, including wiring and other electrical work, continued this past week. Entry ramps were delivered and will likely be installed this week. As of now, the target date for completion in early October has not changed. Stay tuned!
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REMINDER MESSAGES:
1) The PTA's Apparel Sale begins on Monday, 9-11, and ends on Friday, 9-29. I encourage you to take this opportunity to get your children (and yourself!) some school spirit wear! Go, Huskies! The flyer can be found here and in the calendar below. Thank you!
2) Families often ask how they can partner with the school to ensure a positive experience for their children, and my first suggestion is always to join our partner in education, the amazing Hillside PTA! As such, I encourage all families to become members of the PTA. Please see this flyer for Membership Drive information. Your support is greatly appreciated!
3) Student Absences: Families often have questions about absences, particularly what counts as "excused" or "unexcused", and what impact extended absences have on their children. Please see the following note regarding absences and extended absences, and the automated attendance letters that are sent out:
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Most absences from school are considered "unexcused", regardless of the reason. The exceptions mostly include religious holidays and are dictated by the NJ Department of Education. There are two types of unexcused absences–ones that count towards truancy (no documented reason) and those that do not (reasons/doctor's notes are provided to school). We want to avoid having absences that count towards truancy. It is important that daily attendance is communicated/entered via the Genesis Parent Portal, but we cannot make absences excused, other than the ones the NJDOE deems as excusable.
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Extended Absences: While there may be instances during the school year when it is necessary for students to be out of school for extended periods of time (e.g., trips), the school cannot condone these absences and they will be unexcused. Families who find it necessary to pull their children out of school should carefully consider the school calendar and do so prudently. Families are advised that teachers are not obligated to provide any work in advance, as thoughtful instructional planning happens from week to week, but teachers will do their best to make up any missed major concepts when students return. Families considering such absences should contact their children's teachers and the main office in advance as much as possible, and should be aware that any absences that exceed 10 consecutive school days may result in withdrawal from the school's roll and may require re-enrollment upon return. Thank you!
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Once five absences are accumulated (and at every interval of five), families will receive an automated attendance letter stating to contact me to schedule a meeting to discuss absences. If we are aware of the reasons for absences, a call or meeting with me is not necessary, and there is no need to respond. If I have concerns about your children's attendance that can result in retention, rest assured that I will contact you. Please note that every three tardies equal to one absence as they accumulate. Thank you!
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Thank you for reading and have a great week! I wish those observing Yom Kippur an easy fast!
Best regards,
Mr. Gramata
P.S. These weekly messages are also posted on the school's site for your convenience.
P.P.S. Follow Hillside School on X/Twitter at @Hillside_Elem!
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Upcoming Dates to Remember!
Week of September 25, 2023
Monday, 9-25: Yom Kippur, Schools Closed
Tuesday, 9-26: Young Audiences Assembly: A Journey Through Latin Percussion,
Courtesy of the Hillside PTA
Student Council Representative Meeting, 11:03 a.m.
BOE Voting Meeting, 7:00 p.m., BOE Conference Room
Thursday, 9-28: Fifth Grade Team-Building Activities by New Horizons Day Camp, 12:30 -
2:30, On-Site, Courtesy of the Hillside PTA
Friday, 9-29: Back to School Pep Rally!
PTA Apparel Sale Ends
Fifth Grade Team-Building Rain Date
Week of October 2, 2023–Week of Respect in all NJ Schools
Tuesday, 10-3: After School Enrichment Begins (Soccer & Chess)
Wednesday, 10-4: ASE: Science & Mosaic Storytelling
Thursday, 10-5: ASE: Robotics & Engineering
Friday, 10-6: PTA Online Miss Chocolate Cookie Sale Ends
Week of October 9, 2023
Monday, 10-9: Columbus Day / Indigenous People's Day
Schools Closed for Students / Professional Development Day for Staff
Tuesday, 10-10: Picture Day (Individual & Class / information forthcoming)
ASE: Soccer & Chess
BOE Workshop Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 10-11: ASE: Science & Mosaic Storytelling
PTA Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, 10-12: ASE: Robotics & Engineering
Friday, 10-13: PTA's After School Bake Sale
Week of October 16, 2023–School Violence Awareness Week in all NJ Schools
Tuesday, 10-17: ASE: Soccer & Chess
BOE Voting Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 10-18: ASE: Science & Mosaic Storytelling
Thursday, 10-19: ASE: Robotics & Engineering
Friday, 10-20: PTA's School Store
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By Month
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HIB AND 504 CONTACT INFORMATION
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Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying
District Anti-Bullying Coordinator
Mrs. Lisa Capone-Steiger
Email: lsteiger@livingston.org
Phone: 973-535-8000, x8032School Anti-Bullying Specialist
Mrs. Lisa Bowe, School Counselor
Email: lbowe@livingston.org
Phone: 973-535-8000, x7203
School Climate State Coordinator Contact Information: HIB@doe.nj.gov
*These grades were discussed at the October 11, 2022 meeting of the BOE:
Official State Report
Additional HIB Information***
District Section 504 Compliance Officer
Mrs. Lisa Capone-Steiger
Email: lsteiger@livingston.org
Phone: 973-535-8000, x8032School Section 504 Coordinator
Mr. Carlos Gramata
Email: cgramata@livingston.org
Phone: 973-535-8000, x8150Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) Representative
Megan Severino: mseverino@kearnyschools.com
Beth Litsky: markonnj@yahoo.com
Out-of-District SEPAC Representative
Beth Skolnick: brskolnick@gmail.com
Lauren Markon: markonnj@yahoo.com
Upcoming Events
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Thursday
6:30 PM MPE Back to School Night
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October 9, 2023
8:00 AM All Schools Closed For Students/Staff PD (Columbus Day)
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October 10, 2023
7:15 PM Board of Education Meeting
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October 11, 2023
7:00 PM TRI-M Induction Ceremony
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October 17, 2023
7:15 PM Board of Education Meeting
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November 6, 2023
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November 7, 2023
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November 8, 2023
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November 9, 2023
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November 10, 2023
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November 14, 2023
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM District String Day
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7:15 PM Board of Education Meeting
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November 16, 2023
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM District String Day (Snow Date)
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7:00 PM Fall Drama Theater Production